The Mental Game of Golf
What is the Mental Game of Golf?
Junior, high school, and college golfers usually struggle to understand how to think on the golf course. Most of them have heard of this so-called mental game, but they don’t have a firm grasp of the concept. Golfers, in general, have a hard time performing to their potential under pressure. They have games that look and feel good on the driving range, but find it difficult to take the same games to the course. An understanding of this elusive part of golf begins with defining what it is not.
A good, effective and mature mental game does not include any of the following:
- Practicing without clearly defined goals
- Giving 110% - Trying extra hard
- Pretending you don’t care in order to calm your nerves
- Attempting to shoot a certain score
- Fake confidence
- Pretending to be someone else
- Being a poor sportsman/woman
- Attempting to trust a swing that isn't trust worthy
- Fixing your golf swing during the round
- Trying to play perfect golf
A good, effective and mature mental game does include:
- Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals (see Mike's blog for explanation)
- Being process oriented instead of score/outcome oriented
- Preparing for each hole on the course
- Learning how to hit the ball better than worse
- Understanding how to be positive or neutral in your attitude
- Knowing how to interact with your fellow competitors
- Proper practice habits
- Knowing the key numbers/stats of the game
- Developing a useful pre-shot and post-shot routine
- Being prepared to talk to other people about your round (parents and coaches)
Of course, there is more to the Mental Game than what is listed here, but it gives you a starting point when you are trying to become a better player under pressure.